World
Commissioner Breton lashes out against EPP, raising ethical questions
Thierry Breton, the European Commissioner for the single market, has found himself in hot water after he shared a scathing post against the European People’s Party (EPP), raising ethical questions ahead of the elections.
In a short but explosive message, Breton denounced the centre-right group for failing to deliver an overwhelming endorsement to Ursula von der Leyen as lead candidate.
At the end of the EPP congress in Bucharest on Thursday, von der Leyen received 400 votes in favour and 89 against. In total, 737 delegates had voting rights and 591 registered to vote, according to the party. (The message that Breton highlighted erroneously put the number of eligible voters at 801, making von der Leyen’s victory margin seem smaller.)
“Despite her qualities, Ursula von der Leyen (was) outvoted by her own party,” Breton said in a post on X, formerly Twitter, shared on Thursday evening.
“The real question now: ‘Is it possible to (re) entrust the management of Europe to the EPP for 5 more years, or 25 years in a row?’ The EPP itself does not seem to believe in its candidate,” he also wrote.
The critical post, which is completely unrelated to Breton’s portfolio, immediately raised ethical questions, as it appeared to run counter to the Commission’s internal guidelines for participation in the elections, adopted in mid-January.
The updated rules allow Commissioners to take part in campaigns for the June elections without taking unpaid leave, as President von der Leyen and Commissioner Nicolas Schmit are doing for the EPP and the Party of European Socialists (PES), respectively.
However, the handbook imposes strict limits to draw a clear line between the activities of a person as Commissioner, which is a politically independent position, and candidate or campaigner, which is intrinsically partisan.
Among these is the obligation to “create a separate social media account for the campaign,” as von der Leyen and Schmit have already done, “and for any statement of intervention on behalf of a party or a candidate.”
Another provision prevents Commissioners from using the executive’s “human and material resources for any activities linked to the campaign.”
Asked about a potential breach of conduct, a Commission spokesperson said all members of the institutions had to “exercise judgment” when applying the rules but refused to provide a detailed assessment of Breton’s invective.
“It is clear that this comment is a personal remark and is not made in his capacity as Commissioner,” a spokesperson said on Friday afternoon.
“The Secretary-General will send a reminder to all Commissioners about the guidelines that have been defined for the period of the electoral campaign that every College member must apply.”
Thierry Breton, a Frenchman with a CEO background, was nominated for his post by President Emmanuel Macron, whose party Renaissance sits with Renew Europe, the liberal formation in the European Parliament. The official website of Renew Europe identifies Breton as a member of “our family in Europe,” together with other Commissioners like Margrethe Vestager, Věra Jourová and Didier Reynders.
Renew Europe is therefore in direct competition with the EPP and the PES for the largest share of seats in the Parliament. The liberals will present their 10-point manifesto and lead candidates on 20 March.
Although Breton has not entered the race – at least not officially – he has made no secret of his desire to stay in the next Commission. His name has been floated as Commissioner for Defence, a portfolio that von der Leyen has vowed to create if re-elected.
But the assignment of tasks depends on the president’s vision and is often influenced by personal dynamics and political considerations.
In a biting reply, Thanasis Bakolas, the EPP’s secretary general, thanked Breton for his interest in the party and pointed out the dismay prospects that liberals face, as they are projected to fall from third to fifth position.
“I know the liberals are anxious about the upcoming European elections – having no foresight, no message, no relevance,” Bakolas said on X.
ADVERTISEMENT“And I know that things are particularly difficult in France for Renaissance, as they are squeezed by the extremes they helped to grow by weakening the traditional centre-left & the centre-right,” he went on.
“Wish you the best in the campaign!”
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A gunman who fatally shot a Canadian tourist and wounded more than a dozen others atop a historic pyramid in Mexico on Monday has been identified, according to officials.
Authorities identified the gunman as 27-year-old Julio Cesar Jasso, a Mexican national, according to a state official who spoke anonymously because they were not authorized to discuss the case publicly.
Jasso later died by suicide after turning the gun on himself, and security officials found a gun, a knife and ammunition. Authorities said he acted alone, with the State of Mexico government confirming he was the sole assailant on Monday night.
Officials said seven of the victims were struck by gunfire, while others were hurt in the chaos as people scrambled to get down from the pyramids, with some falling during the panic.
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The Pyramid of the Moon and the Pyramid of the Sun are seen along with smaller structures lining the Avenue of the Dead in Teotihuacan, Mexico, on March 19, 2020. A gunman killed a Canadian tourist and injured several others before taking his own life at the popular site, authorities said Monday. (Rebecca Blackwell/AP)
Those hospitalized included tourists from several countries, among them the United States, Colombia, Russia, Brazil and Canada, authorities said. The victims ranged in age from 6 to 61.
Footage circulating in local media appears to show the suspect positioned atop the structure as visitors rushed for safety below, with gunfire echoing across the site.
Police and forensic workers stand on a pyramid after authorities said a gunman opened fire in Teotihuacan, Mexico, Monday, April 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Eduardo Verdugo)
The Teotihuacan complex, located just outside Mexico City, is one of the country’s most visited archaeological landmarks, drawing millions of international visitors each year to its towering pre-Hispanic structures.
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The shooting took place shortly after 11:30 a.m. when dozens of tourists were at the top of the Pyramid of the Moon.
Security measures at the site have changed in recent years, with routine entry screenings no longer consistently in place, according to a local guide.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum wrote on social media that the shooting would be investigated and that she was in touch with the Canadian Embassy.
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“What happened today in Teotihuacán deeply pains us. I express my most sincere solidarity with the affected individuals and their families,” she wrote.
Anita Anand, Canada’s foreign affairs minister, said on X that as a “result of a horrific act of gun violence, a Canadian was killed and another wounded in Teotihuacán” and that her “thoughts are with their family and loved ones.”
People visit the Pyramid of the Sun in the pre-Hispanic city of Teotihuacan near Mexico City, Mexico, on March 21, 2024, following the spring equinox. (Henry Romero/Reuters)
Later in the evening, U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ronald Johnson also expressed “deep concern” and sadness over the deaths and numerous injuries, and said in a post on X that the U.S. is “ready to provide support as needed while Mexican authorities continue their investigation.”
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The National Institute of Anthropology and History said in a statement that the Teotihuacán archaeological site will remain closed until further notice.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Norway has pushed back against criticism from US President Donald Trump over what he described as “zero” European support in the conflict with Iran.
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“NATO is a defensive alliance. It is not an attack alliance,” Norway’s Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide told Euronews’ Europe Today flagship morning show.
Eide said NATO members are focused on safeguarding key global trade routes, including keeping the Strait of Hormuz open. “NATO countries are doing something, but it’s not as a party to a conflict,” he added.
Trump has repeatedly criticised NATO allies for not backing Washington in the Iran conflict. He raised the issue again during a White House meeting earlier this month with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
Eide argued that there had been no prior preparation or consensus within the alliance. As a result, there is “very limited appetite” among member states to join the war.
He said that while both the US and Iran may have reasons to end the conflict, “the sides are far apart”, with negotiations hindered by opposing demands.
On Monday, Trump said the United States would maintain its blockade of Iranian ports until Tehran agrees to a peace deal.
Still, Eide pointed to signs of “some progress”, noting the broader global impact of the conflict. “This is not only an issue for the two sides, but it affects the whole world economy,” he said.
Addressing a European diplomatic push to establish a Palestinian state, Eide reiterated support for a two-state solution based on long-standing United Nations principles. However, he acknowledged that such an outcome is “not around the corner”.
He added that a two-state solution is also in Israel’s interest, describing it as “the only viable solution for real peace in a very troubled region”.
Norway, alongside Spain and Ireland, recognised the State of Palestine in 2024.
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